India got a pat from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) for its pathbreaking efforts in providing social-security coverage through the flagship National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) and Unorganised Sector Workers Social Security Bill. ILO director-general Juan Somavia, in his address to the two-day AsiaPacific Regional High-Level Meeting on Socially Inclusive Strategies to Extend Social Security, said, "India is making a determined effort to extend basic social security coverage and a number of important measures have been initiated, especially in the informal economy." Mr Juan Somavia said that four out of five around the world lack basic social protection. He however, expressed the satisfaction that the countries have recognised the fact that social security underpins balanced social and economic development and it is a powerful tool to fight poverty and inequality in all societies. He said that it is key to unleashing the full productive potential of workers, enabling people to go beyond their survival and expand their potential. The conference has brought together representatives of governments, workers and employers from 21 Asia-Pacific countries. It has been organised by the ILO, in collaboration with the Union labour ministry. Union labour minister Oscar Fernandes said the government is committed to providing social security and social protection to all workers in the informal sector also. He said that a conscious attempt has been made by the government through the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme which provides for at least 100 days of employment guarantee in a year to unemployed rural workers. The minister informed the delegates from the Asia-Pacific region that the Indian government was making available foodgrains at highly subsidised rates to people living below the poverty line.